Reformation 500

Reformation 500 is an initiative of Concordia University to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation through a series of special events leading up to the official commemoration in the fall of 2017. This site includes historic information regarding the Reformation and current information related to the Reformation 500 celebration. You will also find the Reformation presentations and papers delivered at CUW since the fall of 2012.

Upcoming Events

What does the year 2017 have to do with the Reformation?

On October 31st, the monk Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. In these statements, Luther questioned, among other things, the legitimacy of purchasing forgiveness (the sale of indulgences). Though Luther had not yet come to his full clarity on the Gospel of salvation by grace alone through faith alone for the sake of Christ alone, the 95 theses nevertheless represent the beginning of Luther’s effort to reform the church.

What is CUW doing to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017?

CUW has been holding bi-annual public lectures in the fall and spring since 2012. These lectures celebrate the variety of ways in which the Reformation has impacted theology and the church, but also the arts and sciences.

Besides the bi-annual lectures, what else is CUW doing to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017?

CUW is planning to have a statue of Luther placed on campus. A symposium is planned for the fall of 2017. No classes will be held on that day so that faculty and students are free to participate in the event.

How can I get my students involved in the celebration?

CUW professors can encourage their students to attend the bi-annual lectures by developing an assignment related to the presentations where appropriate. Such participation would be especially appropriate for the symposium in 2017. Professors may consider developing a presentation for the symposium in 2017. Our goal is to have participation from all of the schools of the university.

“Wrestling with God: Luther’s Tactics for Meeting God Head-on”

When: October 11th @ 7pm
Where: PH008

As part of the Reformation 500 Speaking Series, Concordia University Wisconsin’s Dr. Jason Lane will present “Wrestling with God: Luther’s Tactics for Meeting God Head-on” this Tuesday evening (October 11) in PH 008 at 7 p.m. His presentation, open to students, faculty, staff and guests, will be repeated at noon on Wednesday in the same classroom.

Dr. Lane, a member of the theology faculty since 2013, will explore Luther’s way of wrestling with God in and through His Word, to show that every Christian who faces sorrows, struggles and temptations must meet God where Luther did - in the Scriptures.

Martin Luther Statue Dedication

Friday, April 15th during Chapel

Concordia University Wisconsin’s Martin Luther statue, located just to the north of the administration building entrance, will be officially dedicated as part of tomorrow morning’s chapel service at 9:30 am. Following a brief message by The Rev. Dr. Patrick T. Ferry inside the Chapel of Christ Triumphant, people will process en masse to the courtyard where the 368-pound statue that stands on a 30-inch pedestal will be dedicated.

Several brass players will perform a well-known Martin Luther hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” followed by a reception in the front lobby of the administration building. The dedication of the bronze statue is part of a series of Reformation 500 events that began several years ago, which will culminate with a daylong observance in October, 2017 marking the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.